New York · Izakaya · a la carte
Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei)
Japanese Cocktail Bar / SpeakeasysakeJapanese whiskyJapanese cocktailsizakaya bitesSapporo ramen
A hidden tachinomi speakeasy inside Kei, serving Japanese whisky, sake, and cocktails curated by Michelin-recognized Chef Akira Hiratsuka.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Chelsea
- Since
- 2025
- Chef
- Akira Hiratsuka
Plate № 2040
About
Mangetsu is a discreet bar tucked behind a hidden door at the back of Kei, Chelsea's izakaya and ramen destination at 193 7th Avenue. Guests enter through the main Kei dining room and are led by staff to the concealed entrance — a classic tachinomi speakeasy format imported from Japan. Executive Chef Akira Hiratsuka, founder of Brooklyn's Ramen Yebisu and a Michelin Guide-recognized chef, heads the culinary program and introduced a food menu to Mangetsu in 2026 for the first time, pairing bar snacks and ramen-inspired bites with the drinks list. The cocktail program features Japanese whisky, premium sake, and original creations such as the Zen-tral Park, a gin-based drink with sudachi and cucumber. Operating Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m., the bar has developed a cult following among sake enthusiasts and cocktail lovers in Chelsea.
Neighborhood & visiting
Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) sits in Chelsea, one of New York's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- A genuine hidden-door speakeasy experience in Chelsea — enter through Kei and be guided to the secret bar.
- One of the few NYC bars with a curated Japanese whisky and sake program, overseen by a Michelin Guide-recognized chef.
- The cocktail menu, including originals like the Zen-tral Park, blends Japanese ingredients with creative mixology.
- The new 2026 food menu brings izakaya snacks and Sapporo-style ramen bites to complement the drinks.
Reservations moved from Resy to OpenTable as of September 2025.
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Frequently asked
About Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei)
- Is Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) an authentic japanese cocktail bar / speakeasy restaurant in New York?
- Yes — Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese cocktail bar / speakeasy in New York: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) located?
- Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) is located at 193 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011, New York, United States in the Chelsea neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei)?
- Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei)?
- Mangetsu Speakeasy (inside Kei) sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese cocktail bar / speakeasy of this format in New York.
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